"Watching the repatriation flights leave Basra is a memory I'll never forget"

For Ann, Remembrance is about honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and remembering the families whose lives were changed forever by conflict.

Ann served as an RAF Policewoman for almost 20 years, with roles including counterintelligence, guarding nuclear weapons and deployments overseas, including a tour in Iraq. Reflecting on her service, she said: "Remembrance Day means a lot to me personally. It makes me reflect on the operations I was involved with and the people who I served with.

"One memory always stays with me the most. Watching the repatriation flights leaving the airfield in Basra. The overwhelming sadness that another life had been lost and the heartbreak another family would be going through back home.

"Leaving the RAF doesn't change the feelings I had back then. I consider it a duty to remember all those who served their country but did not make it home. I count my blessings that I was able to return to my family."

Following a diagnosis of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), Ann was medically discharged from the RAF in 2009. During what she describes as a difficult and uncertain period, the Fund provided support with housing adaptations and mobility assistance, helping her and her family adjust to life beyond Service.

Now a Fund Ambassador, Ann uses her experiences to raise awareness of the support available to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

As Remembrance approaches, Ann hopes her story will encourage people to reflect on the sacrifices made not only in the World Wars, but in more recent conflicts and operations.

"Remembrance is about all those who served," she said. "It's about making sure they are never forgotten."